The ICATT Apprenticeship Program joined two other organizations, Exegestics and York Solutions, at mHUB in Chicago on July 10 to co-host a roundtable focusing on the advantages of integrating veterans into the workplace. ICATT is committed to creating more professional opportunities for service members entering civilian careers, and it was an honor to participate in this event.

The roundtable featured panel discussions with Mario Kratsch, head of the ICATT Apprenticeship Program, Brandi Will, SVP of Program Development at York Solutions, and Stephen Olds, CEO/Founder of Exegistics. It was moderated by Victor LaGroon, Diversity and Inclusion Veterans Employment Advisor and centered around two topics:

Opportunities for Integrating Veterans into Your Workforce

Strategies for Mutual Success

“Veterans offer a wide range of experiences and skills that are beneficial to employers,” said Kratsch. “In the ICATT Apprenticeship Program, we combine hands-on learning with industry-aligned education. We place highly trained graduates in critical positions at high-tech manufacturers and companies. We have seen firsthand how successful veterans can be when they are given an entry point into a new industry.”

The ICATT Apprenticeship Program is certified to accept the GI Bill from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which subsidizes some expenses and makes it more attractive to participating employers. The GI Bill has helped millions of veterans pay for college, graduate school, and training programs since after World War II.

“We made the decision to get the ICATT Apprenticeship Program approved to accept G.I. Bill benefits because our Network Companies were specifically asking for it,” said Kratsch. “These companies want to hire veterans. They see that employees with military experience are smart, hardworking, adaptable, and eager to learn, and they thrive in the apprenticeship program.”

ICATT is passionate about giving veterans the tools and training they need to succeed in their careers.